title: Experiences of family of patient with newly diagnosed advanced terminal stage hepatocellular cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide due to its generally poor prognosis. Caregiver burden for liver cancer cases is higher than with other cancer and needs especial attention.
  
  
  METHODS
  To explore the experiences of families of patients with newly diagnosed advanced terminal stage hepatocellular cancer by interview.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Nine participants were recruited in this study. Content analysis of the interviews revealed four themes: blaming oneself, disrupting the pace of life, searching all possible regimens, and not letting go.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides new insight into the needs and support of family members especially when they are facing loved ones with newly diagnosed advanced terminal stage HCC. These results will inform future supportive care service development and intervention research aimed at providing assistance in reducing unmet supportive care needs and psychological distress of these family members.
authors.affiliation: Chang Gung University of Science and Technology, Kwei-Shan, TaoYuan, Taiwan E-mail : jeanshih@gw.cgust.edu.tw.
authors.forename: Whei-Mei Jean
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Shih
authors.forename: Ping-Ju
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Hsiao
authors.forename: Min-Li
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Mei-Hsiang
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Lin
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D006528:Carcinoma, Hepatocellular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D011379:Prognosis; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology